I’ve had some delays in getting this done but I was debating on two or three rounds and numerous things that have to do with this thing called life.
Last month after the combine I was sold on mocking Ramsey to the Titans because Michael Griffin is gone and I believe there’s a chance that OL can be taken care of later in the draft. Between Ramsey, Bosa, or Tunsil you got a tough choice.
I would pass on Bosa, he simply doesn’t look like a 3-4 edge rusher. Tunsil could be an elite OT. Ramsey is the best athlete of the three and the defense was the weakness last season.
Plenty of changes in this mock, and it’s two rounds, Enjoy!
1. Tennessee Titans- S/CB Jalen Ramsey/Florida St.
I had Laremy Tunsil in this spot since the end of the season. But Tennessee may be tempted to take the Florida State DB. He’ll struggle in man coverage against quicker, shiftier WRs who run better short routes he’s worth the #1 pick. Ramsey really impressed at the combine.
2. Cleveland Browns- QB Carson Wentz/North Dakota State
Whether it’s McCown, RGIII or Ryan Fitzpatrick, that still won’t change this pick. Carson Wentz looked dynamite at the combine. He was head and shoulders above the competition and definitely solidified his status. Don’t think the kid from Fargo is suddenly a new thing. He’s been killing it.
3. San Diego Chargers- OT Laremy Tunsil/Ole Miss
San Diego has needed a LT since the departure of Marcus McNeil… That was ages ago! Tunsil would be a no brainer here if they don’t trade down. Tunsil in my opinion showed at the combine that he’s worthy of being the top T in the draft. Not much more to add to that.
4. Dallas Cowboys- DE Joey Bosa/Ohio State
ESPN compared Bosa to Terrell Suggs… Ignore that! It’s complete crap, trust me Bosa is more Jared Allen than Suggs. Bosa is a player who will be in the 8 to 11.5-sack range, that’s valuable but not a transcendent player, like say JJ Watt. Dallas needs to trade down here to collect more depth, but this pick is their best bet right now.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- LB Myles Jack/UCLA
Jacksonville needs to continue to build their defense the way they been doing it because they are so close to being the best team in the AFC South. Jack is the man who will upgrade the front seven. It’s been rumored that Jacksonville will focus to upgrade their front seven.
6. Baltimore Ravens- CB Vernon Hargreaves III/Florida
I have to believe the Ravens will view their secondary as the true weakness of this team. Hargreaves is a CB whom I believe can be really good for this team. They could go DE/OLB for pass rush, this includes Noah Spence or Joey Bosa, or they could go DT with Deforest Buckner. I’d prefer a trade down here as well as #4.
7. San Francisco 49ers- QB Jared Goff/California
I’m sold that Kaepernick wants out, even if it’s Cleveland. I really believe he’s not a fit for Kelly’s scheme. Goff could start day one and excel in that offense as long as Carlos Hyde can stay healthy. Anthony Davis is back so OT is already stronger. Also note the Niners could shock us and draft a pass rusher…
8. Philadelphia Eagles- RB Ezekiel Elliot/Ohio State
The Eagles traded basically the entire 2015 offseason in the past two weeks. Now they move up to #8 and the Eagles could draft their next feature back. They added Nigel Bradham to the LB core so I’ll pass on that for now. Elliot would be the best back on their roster.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– DE/DT Deforest Buckner/Oregon
I had Ronnie Stanley at this spot but he doesn’t impress me on tape and he didn’t stand out at the combine. I believe Tampa views this draft as getting the best player on the board at nine. Buckner is a mammoth who with improved pad level can become a star. Arik Armstead was similar and struggled this past season. Buyer Beware!
10. New York Giants- OT Ronnie Stanley/Notre Dame
For some strange reason New York fans like Notre Dame and also notice the Giants could use a RT opposite of last year’s top 10 pick Ereck Flowers. I’m not high on Stanley but the Giants would definitely pull the trigger with Schwartz gone (or so it appears.)
11. Chicago Bears– OT Jack Conklin/Michigan State
All this talk about Conklin being a bust is just premature nonsense. Conklin protected the blind side for Connor Cook in his three years as a starting LT. Conklin is rumored to be locked in as a top 15 pick. Chicago and Detroit will be looking at him. I think Chicago needs OL or DL in the 1st, just like Tampa.
12. New Orleans Saints- OLB/DE Leonard Floyd/Georgia
Leonard Floyd is a perfect 3-4 OLB for the Saints 3-4 defense. Junior Galette had a lot of production in New Orleans, but he was a bonehead. Floyd may not be Justin Houston but the Saints need to rush the passer with Newton and Winston developing to be special.
13. Miami Dolphins- DE Noah Spence/Eastern Kentucky
I thought he had a good combine and that’s what he needed after a great Senior Bowl in January. The Dolphins are in no man’s land, they overpaid Mario Williams and Wake is coming off an injury. Spence was the best defensive player I’ve seen at Ohio State since Malcolm Jenkins. That’s high praise!
14. Oakland Raiders- CB MacKenzie Alexander/Clemson
I know they picked up Sean Smith but Alexander is a player whom I believe can fit Oakland’s defense as a whole. I don’t like redshirt sophomores that much and his stats don’t help. But watch him play, he can be a great CB in zone and in bump-n-run.
15. Los Angeles Rams- WR Lequan Treadwell/Ole Miss
Brian Quick was a disaster and Tavon Austin belongs as a slot WR (similar to Percy Harvin). Treadwell is the perimeter threat that could open up the passing game regardless of who lines up behind center. I could also still petition Paxton Lynch here but this is unlikely as of now.
16. Detroit Lions- DT Sheldon Rankins/Louisville
The Lions heart was once the D-Line with Suh and Fairley. Now Haloti Ngata looks to be declining and they need another piece in there. Rankins impressed in the Senior Bowl until injury and is projected in the top 20. Detroit will have to look at OT in Round 2.
17. Atlanta Falcons- LB Darron Lee/Ohio State
Darron Lee was a freak at the combine with the fastest 40-time for a LB since 2008. Lee also is the best LB on the board. I think it’s possible Jaylon Smith gets dropped on draft boards completely because of his knee injury. Lee reminds me of Jamie Collins when he came out of Southern Miss.
18. Indianapolis Colts- OT Taylor Decker/Ohio State
The Colts have a DESPERATE NEED FOR OLINE; until the line can play I will project Decker here. He can be their Sebastian Vollmer or even their LT next season if they move Glenn. Decker was one of the top senior prospects in the draft and has been consistently mocked in the 1st round.
19. Buffalo Bills- DE Kevin Dodd/Clemson
I for one think Dodd is heavily overrated… But Dodd will go in the top 20 maybe as early as 9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bills could look at Dodd as a way to boost their pass rush with the release of Mario Williams. The Bills could also target DT as well cause Kyle Williams isn’t getting any younger.
20. New York Jets- NT Andrew Billings/Baylor
I have Billings rated above Robinson on my board and the combine solidified that and I do think Billings is a top 20 prospect, so there’s value here. The Jets lost Damon Harrison who was an unsung hero for that D-Line. Billings would make that a smooth transition. They signed McClendon but Pittsburgh doesn’t just “get rid of” guys.
21. Washington Redskins- CB Kendall Fuller/Virginia Tech
Walter Football also slotted him here and longer than I have. But I think Fuller is a starter for Washington as a rookie, opposite of Chris Culliver. Fuller is also my #2 rated CB (I have Ramsey as a FS), great value for 21st in the draft. The Redskins pass rush may have more time to work.
22. Houston Texans- DT/DE Jarran Reed/Alabama
Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller are lucrative signings for a team that had significant needs in those areas. Now they need DL help as Vince Wilfork is just old and no depth opposite of JJ Watt. Reed was the best player in Alabama’s DLine this past season IMO, Houston benefits from that.
23. Minnesota Vikings- WR Corey Coleman/Baylor
Coleman was a TD machine and once he runs his 40-time at his pro day we will know he has got some speed. The Vikings need a true #1 threat and I believe with Stefan Diggs and Coleman should form a duo for Bridgewater out in the perimeter, with that running game, it’s a recipe for success.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- WR Josh Doctson/TCU
Doctson impressed me at the combine. The Bengals are looking for a WR to play opposite of AJ Green. Mohammad Sanu and Marvin Jones are both free agents. Doctson would give them a giant with some speed. Andy Dalton will need to get a new supporting cast.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- CB Artie Burns/Miami
Burns is reminiscent of Byron Jones from last year’s draft. Burns and Fuller would be the ideal system fits for Pittsburgh at this slot in the draft. I also have to point out that Pittsburgh is looking awfully thin at CB right now. Antwan Blake went to Tennessee.
26. Seattle Seahawks- DE Shaq Lawson/Clemson
Lawson is the victim of the fall… Not because he lacks talent it’s because of other needs and two RBs sneaking into the middle 1st round. Lawson has been all over the place in rankings but Seattle always has their own methods. Remember they took Frank Clark and Bruce Irvin.
27. Green Bay Packers– DT A’Shawn Robinson/Alabama
Green Bay may land a gem or a guy who simply has peaked in college. His combine didn’t encourage him to be picked very high but Green Bay is in need to replace Raji (retires) and Datone Jones. Green Bay could taget OL here but DLine has a lot of big talents early on.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- DT Robert Nkemdiche/Ole Miss
Andy Reid has to think it over on the line of scrimmage defensively because he has some FAs in the DE position. Nkemdiche may be best suited as 3-4 DE. Nkemdiche has all the physical tools but his off-the-field concerns may not be the best welcome message for teams in the draft.
29. Arizona Cardinals- QB Paxton Lynch/Memphis
I think at this juncture with no elite pass rushing options left here and you have to consider Paxton Lynch a prospect I ranked as an early 2nd round prospect. Palmer looked rough in the playoffs and his age is a concern. Chandler Jones for the 2nd round pick was a great move for them also.
30. Carolina Panthers- DE Emmanuel Ogbah/Oklahoma State
Carolina would be getting the biggest steal in the draft at this point with Ogbah. I have him rated as the 11th best player and he fell to 30… Charles Johnson was cut and Jared Allen retired. Ogbah, as a 4-3 DE, could be lethal.
31. Denver Broncos- OG Cody Whitehair/Kansas State
The Broncos OL will need retooling with the moves of this offseason. Whitehair of anyone available could be a great add with Russell Okung to replace Mathis and Clady/Harris. Whitehair could make a smooth transition to G from LT like Brandon Scherff did.
Round 2:
32. Cleveland Browns- WR Braxton Miller/Ohio State
Miller was a good QB for three seasons and was underutilized as a WR as a senior. With Travis Benjamin hitting FA, rumors about Josh Gordon, and another highly drafted QB. Cleveland should get a playmaker around Wentz or whomever they get for QB.
33. Tennessee Titans- DT/DE Vernon Butler/LA Tech
Butler paired with Jurell Casey would bolster their run defense along with the return of Derrick Morgan and #1 pick Jalen Ramsey at FS/SS. Butler was compared to Mohammed Wilkerson by NFL.com and we saw what the Jets DL looked like the last two seasons.
34. Dallas Cowboys- RB Derrick Henry/Alabama
Henry has to be the pick by default because let’s face it, Darren McFadden isn’t capable of staying healthy consistently and isn’t a long-term answer. Henry and/or Alex Collins of Arkansas are my potential gets for Dallas and this could do them wonders in replacing DeMarco Murray.
35. San Diego Chargers- S Karl Joseph/West Virginia
San Diego was able to land OT Laremy Tunsil in the 1st round of this mock. Joseph in round 2 is a fine addition to replace Eric Weddle who is leaving the team after a beef with the team this year. Joseph also has 1st round talent but S’s don’t have as much value as other positions.
36. Baltimore Ravens- OLB/S Su’a Cravens/USC
Cravens is one of those really versatile guys and he can be a box style safety or as a hybrid LB. The Ravens have to have faith that a WR will exist in the 3rd round to replace Steve Smith after next year. Cravens and Hargreaves could bring Baltimore their swagger back.
37. San Francisco 49ers- OT Jason Spriggs/Indiana
I’m not going to compare Spriggs to Eagles OT Lane Johnson but there are some traits that translate. This pick relies on Anthony Davis’s reinstatement; which was applied late last month but no word since. I’ll be tuned into that. If not Vadal Alexander of LSU can play LG or RG.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Jonathan Bullard/Florida
Jacksonville added Myles Jack in round 1 and now with the free agents can build depth in this draft. In today’s NFL, you can’t have enough guys to rush the passer, just watch how Denver won the Super Bowl. Bullard and Fowler have teamed up before with the Gators, Malik Jackson will be the constant of those three.
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Eli Apple/Ohio State
Tampa’s secondary is basically blah. Eli Apple is so raw but it’s hard to pass on him here considering the other prospects have been parading off the board. I recommend Tampa to trade up into the late 1st round for Jackson/Alexander/Apple. Tampa Bay also has to make it a priority to boost their defense and offensive line.
40. New York Giants- DT Kenny Clark/UCLA
The Giants have gotten two core potential players in the first two rounds to reboot their play on the line of scrimmage. Clark might be wrecking havoc with Jonathan Hankins, Vernon, and JPP if he can get back to form. The Giants adding Stanley and Clark would be a great save for Jerry Reese.
41. Chicago Bears- S Darian Thompson/Boise State
I think Thompson and Amos can be a FS/SS combo for Chicago to build off of. Thompson is a CF type of safety that the Bears could utilize with a young defense. They do need to boost their front seven but that could be a free agent fix. Thompson ran in the 4.5’s and can cover a lot of ground back there.
42. Miami Dolphins- CB/S Jalen Mills/LSU
They do need a CB and they need a FS with Delmas hitting the market. Mills can fill one or both of those needs. Mills is a very instinctive football player and could help Miami from day one. Miami decided to count on Ajayi cause Miller wasn’t worth the money.
43. Los Angeles Rams- TE Hunter Henry/Arkansas
I don’t think Henry will fall here in the live draft. I just think teams will be willing to trade up for him. I also don’t count the Rams out for going after a QB in the draft or free agency. Henry is a guy who can be a legitimate threat at TE. Could be an Owen Daniels, Greg Olsen type of player down the road.
44. Oakland Raiders– SS Jeremy Cash/Duke
Cash over Bell for the Raiders here at #44. I think Cash is more versatile and can play both spots. Replacing Charles Woodson is no small feat. Sean Smith and MacKenzie Alexander are vast upgrades for CB along with David Amerson. Cash could blend in nicely and benefit from that pass rush Mack and Irvin creates.
45. Los Angeles Rams- OG Vadal Alexander/LSU
This would be a pick that would slide Saffold to RT or force them to sign a RT on the market. But I think Alexander can give them a starter that boosts their run game led by Todd Gurley. Protecting the QB is also a priority, there’s proof of that in the Super Bowl and in the playoffs.
46. Detroit Lions- OT La’Raven Clark/Texas Tech
Many see him as a 3rd rounder but I believe he can potentially be a LT and Reiff moving to RT is something I’ve preached for three years. The Lions bolster the line of scrimmage to keep Stafford upright and other QBs nauseous. Clark could be a riser come draft day.
47. New Orleans Saints- DT Chris Jones/Mississippi State
The Saints defensive line is a definite weakness for them. Jones had a good showing in workouts and at the combine. His film would confirm his previous third round grade. Jones and Floyd are not an SEC duo but a possible duo that may start as rookies.
48. Indianapolis Colts- OC Ryan Kelly/Alabama
Kelly was the general of the Alabama OLine and I’m sure Colts fans would love to welcome an OC that can play the spot held down by Jeff Saturday for years. The Colts could go DL, LB, or CB but OL needs to be the priority
49. Buffalo Bills- LB Joshua Perry/Ohio State
There’s a lot of depth at DE and CB. But Nigel Bradham went to Philadelphia and I’m not sure where they’ll go here. Perry has played ILB and OLB and fits a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Rex and Rob like to go hybrid anyways and a hybrid LB/DE could be exactly what the twins need.
50. Atlanta Falcons- WR Michael Thomas/Ohio State
Atlanta did draft Justin Hardy last year but Hardy can still contribute in the slot. Thomas has a bigger frame than guys like Fuller and even Tyler Boyd. Thomas also can run routes and I feel that could help Atlanta, especially with how they use Julio Jones.
51. New York Jets- ILB Kentrell Brothers/Missouri
David Harris has been with the Jets for over a decade and there’s no one else in depth for the Jets. Brothers, in my mind, is an ideal weak-side backer and/or a 3-4 ILB. Brothers is another Mizzou Tiger on his way to the NFL like Richardson, Ealy, and Smith previously.
52. Houston Texans- OC Nick Martin/Notre Dame
Ryan Kelly and Nick Martin are the favorites for this pick, if they’re on the board. The signings of Lamar Miller and Brock Osweiler change the ENTIRE draft board for the team. Martin has NFL pedigree with his brother Zach playing OG for the Cowboys.
53. Washington Redskins- S Vonn Bell/Ohio State
Pairing Kendall Fuller and Keanu Neal in the secondary can juristically improve that secondary. They could also land Karl Joseph if he falls here also but he’s been gone. Washington could draft RB, DL, or even LB depending on how the board falls. Bell is a hard-hitter and also was the best DB for the Buckeyes last season.
54. Minnesota Vikings- OT/OG Spencer Drango/Baylor
Spencer Drango is freaking tank. If he were to line up for Minnesota’s OLine, RB Adrian Peterson will have a bit more room in the hole before he heads into the end-zone. Minnesota has a good defense that’ll develop further but they can sign veteran for their needs.
55. Cincinnati Bengals- DE Shalique Calhoun/Michigan State
Calhoun and Dunlap can help each other out and help the pass rush too. Michael Johnson’s comeback was a dud ultimately and they need someone across Dunlap. Calhoun had a big 2014 and like Bosa had a somewhat down 2015 in the stat department. He’ll need to get a little bigger because Derrick Henry schooled him.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers- S Miles Killebrew/Southern Utah
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to redo their secondary and adding Killebrew with Fuller does the job perfect. Killebrew is a big SS and can play deep also. The only other NFL player I can think from Southern Utah is Chargers backup QB Brad Sorensen.
57. Seattle Seahawks- OT Shon Coleman/Auburn
Coleman is a guy I can see going in the mid 2nd round, but once Seattle picks here at 57, Russell Okung also left for Denver and to be honest, Okung isn’t that deal he got even with the option in it. Coleman is raw but I’m sure he can play RT on the next level at the very least.
58. Green Bay Packers- LB Tyler Matakevich/Temple
This kid is a baller and could be a fit for Green Bay’s scheme and move Clay Matthews back at EDGE. Matakevich was the catalyst of a Temple defense that was highly ranked all season. Green Bay needs LBs; it’s a huge need.
59. Kansas City Chiefs- CB Xavien Howard/Baylor
Andy Reid and company lost Sean Smith to hated rival Oakland and now the only CB on the roster with starting experience is Marcus Peters. Howard has a bigger frame to be physical and has the athleticism to keep up with quicker WRs.
60. New England Patriots- WR Tyler Boyd/Pittsburgh
Tyler Boyd started out the year as my #1 WR prospect, now he’s my #5 WR overall. The Pats need an outside WR with Brandon LaFell being released. Boyd has character concerns but with the talent in this particular player, you draft him. Trust me Pats fans, THIS GUY IS NOT AARON DOBSON.
61. New England Patriots- CB Cyrus Jones/Alabama
Jones would be to fill in and play right away as a nickel CB and a KR/PR specialist. The Patriots have little depth at CB with Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler that is unless they really, really like Darryl Roberts from Marshall whom they drafted last year. Even with Roberts, Jones fits the role better. This pick is courtesy of the Chandler Jones trade.
62. Carolina Panthers- RB Alex Collins/Arkansas
Alex Collins joined Darren McFadden and Herschel Walker as the only RBs in SEC history that ran for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. That’s INCREDIBLE! Collins will get to run in Carolina where it’s clear Jonathan Stewart’s injuries are just never going away.
63. Denver Broncos- QB Connor Cook/Michigan State
Connor Cook is cocky but he can play. I think in a backup role he could shine. The Cowboys were rumored to draft QB each of the last three years. Denver also botched the QB situation with Brock bolting for Houston. Cook also fits this offense and of course he’ll have plenty of help.